Nottingham Young Creatives 2019

Theatre Category
Toolbox Festival - 4, 6 and 8 March

What is Toolbox?

Toolbox is the theatre category of Nottingham Young Creatives. It is an opportunity for young people living, studying, working in Nottingham to create a 15-minute theatre performance using a box of mystery items as a stimulus. Performances can be scripted, devised, physical … there are no rules! Participants can enter one of three age groups: KS3 & KS4 (13-16 years); KS5 & Further Education (16-18 years); or 18-24 years.

How do I get involved?

You can register from 5 September 2018, confirming which of the free introductory workshops Group Leaders and Assistants can attend. The Toolbox will be available to take away at these workshops on either 10, 17, or 24 October. You will need to digitally record and submit your theatre piece no later than 5pm on Friday 1 February 2019; further information about format for submission will be supplied. Shortlisting for each age category will take place the following week, and successful groups will be informed on 8 February.

Shortlisted groups will perform at the Toolbox Festival at Nottingham Lakeside Arts on either 4, 6 or 8 March 2019, with an overall winner being presented at the Nottingham Young Creatives Awards at Nottingham Playhouse in May.

Who can take part?

Anyone studying, working or living in Nottingham between the ages of 13 and 24 can participate. There are no restrictions on the size of the groups apart from stage space which is 10m x 10m; entries are welcomed from solo performers, small ensembles or entire classes.

All we ask is that you are available between 3-8 March 2019, as this is when the shortlisted groups will each have a short technical run-through and then perform at Nottingham Lakeside Arts in front of a public audience and a judging panel.

What if I’m interested in theatre but don’t want to perform?

We are encouraging every group to have two developmental roles: an Assistant to Director who will work alongside the Group Leader throughout the creative process, and a Communications and Marketing Assistant. We want each group to think about how you can actively promote your work and celebrate what you have made. Lakeside will be running a free Marketing workshop in November to suggest ways in which you can do this.

We also want to recruit two Young Panel Members (aged 16-24) to participate in the judging process alongside theatre industry personnel. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals at further or higher education level who’d like to have a career in theatre direction or producing. To be considered for these roles, email your name, contact information (mobile and email) together with 300 words on why you would like to have this opportunity to ToolboxNYC@nottingham.ac.uk no later than 5 November 2018. You must also confirm that you are able to attend each of the three evenings of performance on 4, 6, 8 March 2019, and be willing to attend some other theatre performances in advance of that date (free tickets will be supplied).